Four Signs Your Child Is Ready for Financial Independence

At what age should you give young adults control of money you have been accumulating for them?

MICHELLE PERRY HIGGINS: This really depends on the maturity of the child. I have seen young adults at age 21 with the financial literacy and discipline of a 50 year old. Therefore, I would not focus so much on the age as much as I would the ability to manage the assets properly.
Here are few signs that your young one is ready for financial independence:

* Savings is an important goal for them. They work hard each month to save a portion of their income for emergency reserves or retirement savings.

* Living with debt is not the norm. They do not have credit-card debt or student loans or if they do, a plan of action is in place to pay off the debt.

* They understand the value of a dollar and the gift of a potential inheritance. There is not an expectation of receiving these funds to survive in this world.

* They are eager to meet with a financial planner to craft a plan of action for savings, investments, etc.